What’s at stake?
When it comes to property damage, water is one of the worst culprits. Whether it’s a leaking roof, a sewage back-up or simply a pinhole in a pipe, water damage can cost you a lot of money and cause you a lot of headaches. If left unattended, water damage can cause serious structural problems and create toxic moulds; these moulds can lead to health problems such as allergies and lung infections.
What to do if you discover water damage;
- First and foremost, shut off any interior water source that may be causing the problem.
- Don’t turn on any electrical switches until your electrical system has been checked.
- Open all windows in your home to help accelerate the drying process.
- Check water-soaked ceilings to ensure that they won’t collapse under the weight of the water.
- Puncture holes in the ceiling to release excess water. Be ready with a bucket.
- Move household items to areas where they will not sustain further damage.
- Remove excess water from fragile surfaces such as wood and upholstery.
- Remove wet carpets and contaminated materials from your home. Drying these inside will only cause more moisture and pose health risks.
- Call flooring experts to see if your floors and carpeting can be cleaned or repaired.
- Avoid using electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, to clean up water. Mop up as much of it as possible.
- Call your insurance company to make a claim.
Maintenance first
Home maintenance and proper installation/construction are the keys to preventing water damage in the first place. After all, your home is built to prevent water damage. Potential damage can be minimized with routine inspections and repairs. When in doubt, hire a professional to do the inspection. Keep in mind that when you act quickly to repair any damage, you can avoid problems such as mould, which is not covered by your insurance policy.
Watch this space for news about the new Floodbuster product coming from BC Furnace soon!
